A player between the ages of 13 and 17 who is currently properly registered with USA Hockey may serve as a student coach under the following conditions:

Must attend a training session conducted by the local hockey association.

Must always be under the supervision of a carded, screened adult coach during all practices, clinics, try-outs, and in the locker room.

May help out at practices, clinics, try-outs only. (May not play during scrimmages or games).

May not act as the head coach or assistant coach during practices or games.

Must wear a helmet with full face shield, gloves, and skates while on the ice. Must wear helmet during games while on the bench.

May only work with players at least one full playing age level down.

The organization that is using the student coach must provide a form indicating on what team he/she is participating as a student coach, and, if applicable, what team he/she is properly registered/rostered as a player. A model form can be found here.

Upon reaching the age of 18, the student coach must comply with all USA Hockey coaching and screening rules and regulations.

Proof of coaching education level will be evidenced by a USA Hockey Coaching Education card with appropriate dated verification sticker. This card must be carried by all coaches for all USA Hockey games.

Before the start of each game and in the presence of the referee, each coach must present their card to one another for verification of coaching education level.

If a coach cannot produce their current and up to date USA Hockey Coaching Education Card prior to the start of the first period, it must be noted on the official game score sheet and signed by the opposing coach.

Prior to the start of all games, all coaches (Head and Assistant) present, from each team, are required to sign the designated area of the scoresheet in order to verify the accuracy of the playing roster, as it appears on the scoresheet , for that game. In addition, all coaches (Head and Assistant) must include their USA Hockey Coaching Education Program (CEP) card number, their CEP level (1-Initiation, 2-Associate, 3-Intermediate,4-Advanced, or 5-Master) and the year their CEP level was attained. The CEP card number, level and year attained shall be printed legibly and next to the signature of each coach.

C. Continuing Education Requirement

All coaches below Level 4 shall progress through the Coaching Education Program, attending a coaching clinic at least once every three years through Level 3 (Intermediate). After a coach has completed Level 3 (Intermediate), the coach shall do one of the following: attend another Level 3 (Intermediate) clinic within three years, take a USA Hockey Continuing Education Course within three years or attend a Level 4 (Advance) clinic as per the Coaching Education Program Requirement chart. Once Level 4 (Advance) is achieved, there is no further requirement for recertification.

If a coaches accreditation was received more than 3 years from the current calendar year, the card is rendered invalid/expired below Level 4 (Advance) and a refresher course at the same level or attending a clinic at the next level is necessary for the accreditation to remain current.

D. Coaching Education Required Levels

Southeastern CT Youth Hockey (SECYH) and USA Hockey requires that the following set of coaching education levels must be the minimum criteria for all coaches.

All coaches (head and assistant) must have the USA Hockey Coaching Education Program card (not older than 05-06) in order to coach for SECYH. 2004-05 cards expire December 31st, 2007.

Winning is a consideration, but not the only one, nor the most important one. Care more about the child than the winning of the game. Remember players are involved in hockey for fun and enjoyment.

Be a positive role model to your players, display emotional maturity and be alert to the physical safety of players.

Be generous with your praise when it is deserved; be consistent, honest; be fair and just; do not criticize players publicly; learn to be a more effective communicator and coach, don't yell at players.

Adjust to personal needs and problems of players, be a good listener, never verbally or physically abuse a player or official; give all players the opportunity to improve their skills, gain confidence and develop self-esteem; teach them the basics.

Organize practices that are fun and challenging for your players. Familiarize yourself with the rules, techniques and strategies of hockey; encourage all your players to be team players.

Maintain an open line of communication with your players' parents. Explain the goals and objectives of your association.

Be concerned with the overall development of your players. Stress good health habits and clean living.